(31 Jul 2022, 10:21 pm)L469 YVK wrote The G1's were poor but 2017 onwards examples have been fine.

Why would GNE continue to run the X21 still one short of the PVR having to use 6334/35 when they have 8x nearly new StreetDecks available with a good interior spec?

Washington only needs 6333 (with 6331 & 32 already there as spares) and 6377 to sort the X1 out.

In hindsight as well as other spares, 6334 & 35 would make up for Riverside losing 6336 & 37. Plus the extra length of 6308-14 and 9x extra seats over the StreetDeck will come in handy for the 58.

Because, the B5s are arguably more suited to the route than the StreetDecks. While I don't think I've tried the latest batch on the motorway, I can't imagine them being that much better given they haven't changed anything with the drivetrain. I believe the only difference is the suspension? (which is far superior to the B5s). Even the 6 cylinder is very underwhelming on the motorway IMO.

My biggest complaint with the StreetDecks when they were on the X21 was the noise, they seemed to spend most of their time on the redline as they're just not geared to go 50mph for any significant length of time. Which, given that nearly half of the X21 route is either Motorway, Dual Carriageway, or fast A roads, where they're typically going flat out, isn't ideal!

(31 Jul 2022, 10:49 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Because, the B5s are arguably more suited to the route than the StreetDecks. While I don't think I've tried the latest batch on the motorway, I can't imagine them being that much better given they haven't changed anything with the drivetrain. I believe the only difference is the suspension? (which is far superior to the B5s). Even the 6 cylinder is very underwhelming on the motorway IMO.

My biggest complaint with the StreetDecks when they were on the X21 was the noise, they seemed to spend most of their time on the redline as they're just not geared to go 50mph for any significant length of time. Which, given that nearly half of the X21 route is either Motorway, Dual Carriageway, or fast A roads, where they're typically going flat out, isn't ideal!

If there was another B5 GNE could get their hands on that would be great and would sort the PVR out.

(31 Jul 2022, 10:50 pm)Unber43 wrote If there was another B5 GNE could get their hands on that would be great and would sort the PVR out.

Just whack one of the 67 plate StreetDecks on, nobody will even be able to tell it's not a B5!

Or, really what they should have done is make the 'spares' the same spec as the rest of the B5s, paint one blue, and Bob's your aunty, it's not a spare anymore!

(31 Jul 2022, 10:51 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Just whack one of the 67 plate StreetDecks on, nobody will even be able to tell it's not a B5!

Well 6332 is in need of a re-paint

(31 Jul 2022, 10:52 pm)Unber43 wrote Well 6332 is in need of a re-paint

They should paint it back into the Hop Tap Go livery and it'll be like the good old days before they started F'ing it all up!

Seriously, that shade of blue was lovely!

(31 Jul 2022, 10:54 pm)streetdeckfan wrote They should paint it back into the Hop Tap Go livery and it'll be like the good old days before they started F'ing it all up!

Seriously, that shade of blue was lovely!

Really 6331-6333 could just allocated to X21 + 2 Spares. 

6334-6335 could be sent to Consett, as I believe they are low height

(31 Jul 2022, 10:51 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Just whack one of the 67 plate StreetDecks on, nobody will even be able to tell it's not a B5!

Or, really what they should have done is make the 'spares' the same spec as the rest of the B5s, paint one blue, and Bob's your aunty, it's not a spare anymore!

Could just cut the frequency South of Durham aswell, then you'd have one spare (and an hourly service). Works in other places.

(I'm joking btw).

(31 Jul 2022, 10:56 pm)Unber43 wrote Really 6331-6333 could just allocated to X21 + 2 Spares. 

6334-6335 could be sent to Consett, as I believe they are low height

No, they're full height (I think, I can walk upstairs at least!)

(31 Jul 2022, 10:57 pm)Storx wrote Could just cut the frequency South of Durham aswell, then you'd have one spare (and an hourly service). Works in other places.

(I'm joking btw).

Don't give them bloody ideas!

I'm actually surprised the West Auckland extension has lasted this long. It must actually be popular as they haven't cut it... yet!

(31 Jul 2022, 9:46 pm)Unber43 wrote 3941-43 aren't Euro 6

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Maybe the X1 could get a longer extension to Hartlepool or Seaham?

3941-43/62-65 were upgraded to be Euro 6 a while back, along with coaches 7108/10/11.


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6331 and 6332 are at Washington??

(01 Aug 2022, 10:04 am)L469 YVK wrote 6331 and 6332 are at Washington??

Have been for a week now

(01 Aug 2022, 4:37 am)Dan wrote 3941-43/62-65 were upgraded to be Euro 6 a while back, along with coaches 7108/10/11.


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Thanks Dan

(01 Aug 2022, 10:04 am)L469 YVK wrote 6331 and 6332 are at Washington??

As is 6333, albeit currently VOR.


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(01 Aug 2022, 8:46 pm)Dan wrote As is 6333, albeit currently VOR.


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So, that leaves 6377 to fill the 14th vehicle for the X1?

As for the 58, that's the likely route to receive an upgrade. If the ex Derwentside StreetDecks are allocated, that'll leave 1x spare StreetDeck and 1x spare B5TL at Riverside.

Surely it would make more sense for both spares to be the same vehicle type (meaning SDs on X21 and B5TLs on 58) and......more sensible given both B5TLs are actually ex-dealer stock?

Does anyone know of any routes changing depots? 

Becasue Washington Bus Depot is pretty rammed on an evening not sure whether they'll be able to take on many more buses. But no bus would fit well leaving Washington for changeovers.